youth programs
An open Letter to Teachers and Youth Leaders in Winchester and Frederick County
Thank you for the time, effort, and commitment you invest each year in our local youth. Because of you, our nation continues to produce scholars, dreamers and leaders to benefit our area, our country and yes………the world. We hope our contests encourage an understanding and appreciation of America. We also hope to make people aware that many of our country’s veterans continue to serve long after stepping out of uniform.
Sincerely,
Pat Templeton
Youth Programs Chairman
VFW Post 2123
Patriots Pen Essay Contest
Patriot’s Pen provides 6th, 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes. Awards can be given at the local, district and state levels. The state winners compete for $55,000 in awards at the national level. The first-place national winner receives a $5,000 award and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C., where they tour the city. The entry deadline is October 31. For more information contact Winchester Post 2123 at vfw2123youth@gmail.com
Voice of Democracy
Audio-essay Competition
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. Many notables have participated in Voice of Democracy including journalist Charles Kuralt, Miss America Anita Bryant and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. The Voice of Democracy competition provides high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors the opportunity to write and record an essay on a patriotic theme, competing for more than $2 million in college scholarships and incentives. State winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to enjoy our nation’s capital and compete for $154,000 in scholarships - first place receiving a $30,000 scholarship. Deadline is October 31. For more information contact Winchester Post 2123 at vfw2123youth@gmail.com
Smart/Maher VFW National
Citizenship Education
Teacher of the Year Program
Each year three exceptional teachers are recognized by the VFW for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top certified/licensed elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach and promote America’s history, traditions and citizenship education effectively. The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award recipients are selected from entries submitted to local VFW Posts in every state and overseas.
The awards include the following items:
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A national $1,000 Past National CIC John Smart award for the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade teachers for professional development expenses.
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$1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school. Plaques for both the winning teacher and school.
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An all-expenses-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention
Nomination must be submitted to a local VFW Post by October 31. Additional information about our program please refer to our website at VFW.org or contact Winchester Post 2123 at vfw2123youth@gmail.com
Theressa Ann Russell
Primary Art Award
Starting in 2020, our newest competition art award provides elementary school students the opportunity to show their artistic skills. entries are judged on understanding and personal interpretation of theme. Creativity and craftmanship.
Scout of the Year
Some of our earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and perhaps none are stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America's scouting organizations. In fact, our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington.
Each year the VFW honors three young people - from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew - who have demonstrated exceptional citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives $5,000.
Winchester VFW Youth and Education Awards
In 2016, VFW Post 2123 introduced an annual awards event to celebrate the local students and teachers that won our awards and represented our Post at District m State, and National contests. Roughly $3,000 in cash and prizes are presented to our local students and teachers.
Winchester VFW Youth
and Education Awards
In 2016, VFW Post 2123 introduced an annual awards event to celebrate the local students and teachers that won our awards and represented our Post at District m State, and National contests. Roughly $3,000 in cash and prizes are presented to our local students and teachers.
VFW in the Classroom
Every day, we strive to thank America's educators by providing them with helpful resources and encouraging our members to visit local classrooms. Let us help you educate America's future leaders and bring history to life!
Veterans play an important role in educating our nation's youth about the founding principles upon which America was founded. As combat veterans, VFW members can provide students with a unique perspective about the sacrifices America's service members make to maintain freedom for all of us.
When visiting a classroom, a VFW member will prepare a brief introduction, a main presentation and a Q&A session. Depending on the topic, a member may bring appropriate memorabilia, uniforms, photographs and other relevant material.
American history is something we all share, and there's no one better to help tell that story than someone who's had a great part in shaping it. Contact our Post Commander HERE to arrange for a veteran to visit your classroom.
